HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Washington County is being awarded $9.4 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46).
“Reliable, high-speed internet access is critical for people of all ages – students trying to learn and employers trying to operate in a manner customers have come to expect. To support them, I have been advocating for this project since last June,” Bartolotta said. “I am so pleased the Washington County Authority, Comcast and PBDA partnered to make it happen.”
Made feasible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, a total of $200 million in competitive grants was awarded for projects across the state lacking 25/3 Mbps internet service, as highlighted by Bartolotta.
In an effort to ensure transparency and efficiency, the PBDA mandates quarterly and annual progress reports from grantees, accompanied by comprehensive guidance on state and federal requirements and technical support. All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026. Grantees will be held accountable for the prudent expenditure of awarded funds. The PBDA has the ability to claw back any unused or misused funds.
This inaugural round of grants represents a significant milestone in the PBDA’s broader initiative to close the digital divide since the General Assembly established the PBDA in 2021.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463